Artist Bhagwandas Bhatt seeks immediate help from government

Bhagwandas Bhatt, a puppeteer and musician, who once shared the stage with renowned Bollywood singers and musicians, is now under abject poverty at the Transit Camp in Patel Nagar in Delhi. Today, his family is even struggling to find food amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

New Delhi: Bhagwandas Bhatt, a puppeteer and musician, who once shared the stage with renowned Bollywood singers and musicians, is now reeling under abject poverty at the Transit Camp in Patel Nagar in Delhi. Today, his family is even struggling to find food amid the Covid-19 lockdown.

ETV Bharat's team spoke with Bhagwandas Bhatt about his current hardships and situation. Bhagwandas cursed his luck and said, there was a time when big leaders like former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were convinced of Bhatt's art. However, today no one even enquires about him.

Once Bhagwandas Bhatt was known as 'Harmonium Maestro' and a 'Qawwali' singer. He was also a popular puppeteer. He did several shows in the USA, Europe and all over India, rubbing shoulders with renowned artists like Lata Mangeshkar and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. He also enjoyed the patronage of former Indian Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

However, life has turned hard for Bhagwandas Bhatt and his family of 35 members. He has suffered two paralysis strokes. Due to the COVID19 lockdown in Delhi, his family members have lost jobs. The family is also struggling to even procure food.

Bhagwandas Bhatt has pleaded urgent help from the government. He has asked for an immediate supply of rations, medicines for his treatment, and a job for his unemployed son.